Seven Good Reasons for a Skiing Holiday in Georgia

Skiing in Georgia? Of course! The small country in the Caucasus between Europe and Asia impresses with beautiful mountain ranges, the versatile and up-and-coming capital Tbilisi, great seaside resorts on the Black Sea and idyllic wine-growing areas. About two hours north of Tbilisi is the country's largest ski resort, Gudauri. We have seven good reasons for you why you should definitely spend your skiing holiday here.

The Gudauri ski resort is located on a south-facing plateau and thus guarantees particularly sunny slopes. International guests particularly appreciate the large difference in altitude of 1,300 metres with a maximum run length of 7.5 kilometres, as well as the endless possibilities for freeriders who want to feel fresh powder under their skis. What's more, unlike most ski resorts in the European Alpine region, there are virtually no queues at the lifts here.

On the varied slopes, there is something for all levels of ability, so that beginners as well as advanced winter sports enthusiasts and pros get their money's worth. One of the absolute highlights in Gudauri is heli-skiing, for which the ski resort is well known throughout Europe. 

With an average snow depth of 2.5 metres on the mountain, Gudauri is also considered exceptionally snow-sure until April. Modern lifts and a steadily growing number of accommodations on the mountain, including popular hotel chains such as Four Seasons or Best Western, ensure that the ski resort can also hold its own in international comparison.

While in Austria you can pay over 50 euros for a ski pass, in Gudauri it costs just 14.50 euros per day! A large meal with mulled wine is often available on the mountain for about five euros. If you don't want to bring your ski equipment from home, but want to rent it on site, you can get a package with skis, boots and poles for as little as twelve euros. One hour of ski or snowboard lessons starts at 25 euros.

If you add up all the inclusions, a skiing holiday for a family costs about a fifth of what you pay for it in the big Alpine destinations. Unbelievable, isn't it? By the way, accommodation on the mountain starts at 50 euros per night in the high season.

Not only the slopes are a highlight in Gudauri, the Georgian cuisine also has a lot to offer and reveals a lot about the culture of the country: warm, cosy and very tasty. Popular dishes include khachapuri (bread filled with cheese) and khinkali (Georgian dumplings) with matsoni (yoghurt). Always included are a variety of herbs such as tarragon, parsley, dill, corianter, garlic and walnuts, which together make rich fillings and sauces.

All in all, Georgia serves an incredible mix of Eastern European and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is not for nothing that Georgia is one of the most unique and hospitable cultures in the world, which is especially evident in its food and gastronomic service.

Georgia is one of the oldest wine regions in the world. Therefore, Georgians know their grape varieties very well and you can be sure that you will be served an excellent glass with your meal. For more than 8,000 years, wine has been produced in Georgia in egg-shaped clay pots according to their own traditional method. And a side tip: after a long day on the slopes, a hot cup of mulled wine is not to be scoffed at!

Tbilisi is often referred to as the "Rome of the Caucasus". Here, Eastern and Western culture merge to create incredible stories, fantastic restaurants and a lively nightlife. For a few years now, Tbilisi has been home to numerous hip new hotels and a funky bar and café scene. The old town is full of craft shops, museums and parks.

So you should definitely spend a day or two here to explore the sights and enjoy the unique flair before heading to the mountains.

Georgia is uniquely located between Europe and Asia and is much easier to get to than you might think. A direct flight from London to Tbilisi takes less than five hours. From Dubai, you can get there in three hours. There are also direct flights from Munich or Amsterdam.

From Tbilisi, you can easily reach the Gudauri ski resort by bus or rental car. The journey takes about one and a half to two hours.

"A guest is a gift from God" says the Georgian proverb. Georgians are known to love treating their guests to fantastic food and quaffable wine - it's not exactly easy on the figure, but it's certainly an unforgettable experience. Georgians also love to tell stories, as they are incredibly proud of their history and their country. Besides the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities, it is above all the hospitality of the locals that is responsible for Georgia's enormous tourism boom.

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Special publication in cooperation with skigeorgia.com